The words “Know Thyself” appear in Greek at the top of the College seal, which dates back to Hamilton’s founding more than 200 years ago. Only after gaining a full appreciation of your strengths, skills and interests can you contribute meaningfully to society and achieve the professional success and personal satisfaction you seek.
You will be transformed at Hamilton — personally, intellectually, socially, spiritually. Perhaps it’s an academic or extracurricular interest you didn’t know you had. Maybe it’s a newfound love of the outdoors. Whatever your interests, we will help you discover the future you were meant to pursue. It’s happened for students before you and it will happen for you.
Originally founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton was chartered as a college in 1812. It is among the three dozen oldest colleges in the United States.In 1793 Samuel Kirkland, missionary to the Oneida Indians, presented his “Plan of Education” to President George Washington, who “expressed approbation,” and to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who consented to be a trustee of the new school, to which he also lent his name. The Hamilton-Oneida Academy was chartered soon thereafter. Nineteen years later, in 1812, the academy was rechartered as Hamilton College.
Hamilton’s 1,350-acre campus is situated on College Hill overlooking the picturesque New England-style village of Clinton, N.Y. We are 10 minutes from Utica to the northeast, 45 minutes from Syracuse to the west and 90 minutes from Albany to the east. The Adirondack Park is a favorite nearby destination for outdoor activities.
The quality of personal interaction that takes place in our classrooms extends to residences, performance halls, playing fields, dining halls, labs and to casual conversations that take place in Café Opus. That’s why we seek a diverse student body. Different perspectives and life experiences expand the breadth and augment the rigor of the intellectual life of our College.
The Opportunity Programs Office provides tailored personal and academic support that helps student build lifelong habits and skills. Public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential, but who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes, come to Hamilton through this four-year scholarship program.Experienced student mentors are matched with first-year international, first-generation (first in the family to attend college) and historically underrepresented students.
Hamilton is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to qualified students with disabilities. Students from 40 countries are welcomed at Hamilton and become an integral part of our community. The Dean of Students Office assists international students in a variety of ways.
There is no one Hamilton student just as there is no one Hamilton experience, but the promise we make to all our students is the same.We promise to assist you in creating a program of study that meets your individual interests and goals. Regardless of your course of study, we will challenge you, hold you to high standards and help you develop into a critical and creative thinker, and a strong writer and speaker.
There’s no one type of Hamilton student. They are nerdy, sophisticated, quirky, artsy, outgoing, gay, straight, sloppy, athletic, quiet … you name it. At Hamilton, you will be accepted for who you are and what you believe. And with a student body of 1,850, you’ll find friends who share your interests and backgrounds.
Whether you decide, after four years, to pursue a graduate degree or enter the work force, you will be prepared.Hamilton’s faculty will make sure you have the intellectual skills, our career professionals will help you identify internships and other career-related experiences, and our alumni will help you build a network.
For those unable to pay our comprehensive fee, we make an additional promise: We will review your application without considering your financial circumstances and meet your full demonstrated financial need.We are committed to ensuring that your Hamilton education is affordable and worthy of your investment.
Hamilton has a well-earned reputation as a “school of opportunity” and is need-blind in its admission decisions. All of Hamilton’s financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need, which is determined by calculating the difference between the expected family contribution and the cost of attendance. If you qualify for financial assistance and are admitted to Hamilton, we will meet your full demonstrated financial need for all four years.
Our goal is to accept only the most talented and deserving students and then provide the financial aid that makes it possible for them to enroll. We are also committed to providing an exceptional experience for all students who choose Hamilton, regardless of their financial background.
Some students know exactly what they want to study and can’t wait to get started; Hamilton’s open curriculum provides that flexibility. Others explore different options before choosing their concentration; our open curriculum works for them, too. But an open curriculum is not for everyone. It is best suited for students who are independent, motivated and committed to the ideals of a broad-based liberal arts education. If that describes you, Hamilton might be a good fit for your next four years.
Please do not post:
Thank you once again for doing your part to keep Edarabia the most trusted education source.
Hamilton is awesome. There are so many different kinds of people here, but 99% of them are incredibly intelligent. People in my classes are almost always excited to be there, so it is a great environment for people (like me) who are passionate about their majors. There isn't a huge competitive atmosphere either. People aren't looked down upon if they get a C in a class, nor do people hate the people who get As.
By Amaris (Jun, 2011) |
I have absolutely loved my years at Hamilton. I would definitely choose again to come here. Given that, if I didn't drink, I would be extremely bored on the weekends. There are "activities", but not many people actually show up for them, and the surrounding area is very sparse. If you don't have a car, like freshmen can't, and you don't drink, you're kind of screwed socially. However, I do drink, and have had a great time socially. Fantastic academics, I've never been so pushed in my life, but still a very collaborative atmosphere.
By Jacquie (May, 2011) |
My experience at Hamilton has been better than anything I could have expected. I have been so, so happy here. I am a better person for attending Hamilton. My friendships and relationships with students, staff, and faculty will last the rest of my life.
By Gayle (Mar, 2010) |
By far the best thing about Hamilton is the people. Surprisingly, there is a very diverse student body and people really go out of their way to get involved with the college. I can count on one hand the amount of people I know who are not involved in a single extracurricular activity, be it a music or a capella group, sports team, community service organization, or greek organization, among many others. Students are also very supportive of one another and attend each other's events, concert, games, etc. The academics are the other reason to come to Hamilton. Classes are very small; so this is not somewhere to come if you want to be lost in the crowd. At Hamilton, you have the opportunity to interact with professors who want to get to know students. Many of them are extremely accomplished in their respective fields, but they are at Hamilton because it is a true learning environment. We have the freedom to take the classes that we want, and many students take advantage of this, really getting a true liberal arts education.
By Omarion G. (Feb, 2010) |
Twitter
Hamilton College in New York has transformed my child's academic journey; the passionate staff go above and beyond, empowering every student to flourish brilliantly.
By L.W. (Apr, 2024) |